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Italy

Portofino
  

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Leaving our base in Marina di Varraze, an overnight cruise to the islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) provide a striking contrast.
Corsica's small fishing villages and unspoiled harbors are interspersed along a dramatic western coastline that has changed little since the ancient Roman Empire. Sardinia and its Maddalena Islands have also retained their rustic natural beauty and provide numerous lovely and protected anchorages.
After leaving Sardinia behind, guests can choose to sail north to the picturesque Portofino or south to the inspirational Bay of Naples.
The Isle of Capri, the Blue Grotto, Ischia, the spectacular Amalfi coast and the artist community of Positano all have their special allure.
Superb food and fine wine are as abundant here as the blue skies. Whether you desire a waterfront café or secluded hillside, swank restaurant or historic site, your skilled crew are at hand to make the best of your excursions.

Marina di Varazze facilities

- Laundry
- Restaurants & bars
- Food supplies
- Newsagent
- Cashcard facilities
- Mailbox
- Car park
- Electric cars and bicycle hireMooring service
- Baggage transport
- Divers
- Toilet & showers
- Lighting
- Electricity & water
- Telephone and television links

Marina di Varazze has a technological heart. High-tech services facilitate communication and reach out to the world. Non-invasive infrastructures enhance the feeling of wellbeing offered by the Marina. The entire harbour area will be fitted with wi-fi connections so that yacht owners, storekeepers, craftsmen and residents can use interactive services and link up to the Internet in total freedom, and make use of other advanced services. A convenient and practical opportunity to use information, entertainment and public interest services that are increasingly available using wireless systems.
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Do not miss!

- Portofino: most probably THE place to be in Italy. Portofino has long been known as an exclusive gathering place for the wealthy, artists and actors. In 1935 the city government of nearby Genoa declared Portofino a national monument so architecture has changed very little in the past 60 years as alterations must receive approval.

- Bonifacio (Corsica): No one can resist neither the fascination of this old town which is dazzingly white, nor the appeal of its old alleys which climb up toward the sky, and bordered by the cliffs from where the isles of Lavezzi and Cavallo, or Sardinia can be seen, you will be maybe pray to a vertigo which you could not say if it is physical or, in front of so much audacious beauty, just simply mystic !
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Important travel notes

- Airport: The closest airport to Varazze is Genoa International Airport (GOA) which is just 40 minutes away by car (40 km).

- Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted except in some of the smaller lodging establishments. Diners Club and several other minor cards are accepted in fewer places.

- Currency & Exchange: the Euro (EUR). Banks are available for all arriving flights in the airport for currency exchange.

- Customs: Free entry is allowed for personal effects, 400 cigarettes and a quantity of cigars or pipe tobacco not exceeding 500 grams (1.1 lb).
All items mentioned above may be imported duty-free only on condition that they are for personal use and are not be sold, given away or traded. A maximum of two bottles of wine and one bottle of hard liquor per person may be brought in duty-free. The bottles must not be open. A maximum of 4.4 lbs. of coffee, 6.6 lbs. of sugar and 2.2 lbs. of cocoa are allowed duty-free. Overseas tourists arriving in Italy after visiting other countries are allowed to carry with them souvenirs purchased in other countries up to a total value of $500 and only a verbal declaration is required. Purchases may include up to a half litre of perfume.

- Electricity: The electrical current in Italy is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. Plugs have round prongs, not flat, therefore an adapter plug is needed.

- Mobile phone: Mobile Phones work on the GSM European standard; make sure you have made the necessary 'roaming' arrangements before you leave home.

- Internet Access: There are several internet cafes in Varazze and you will be able to connect your laptop at the Azimut Charter Club customer service desk or ask for an access at the marina office.

- Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken.

- Passport and Visa: A visa is not required for a U.S. or Canadian citizen holding a valid passport unless he expects to stay in Italy more than 90 days. Non-American citizens should check current visa requirements with the nearest Italian Consulate before departure.

- Telephone: The country code for Italy is 39. Modular jacks are of the US RJ-11 4 wire type.

- Time: GMT/UTC +1 (+2 in summer) In terms of standard time zones; Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving time in Italy goes into effect each year usually from the end of March to the middle of October.

- Tipping: Service charges are included in your restaurant bill, so you are not expected to tip. It is common practice, however, to leave a small amount. In bars, Italians will usually leave any small change as a tip, but this is but this is by no means obligatory. Tipping taxi drivers is not necessary, but your hotel porter will expect a little something.
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When to go?

Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are relatively few crowds. June, July, August and September are the best months to take advantage of the sea; the water temperature averages between 20 and 27 °C.
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Bay of Naples - Ititnerary

- Day 1
Guests arrive and board the yacht in Sannazzaro Port in the Bay of Naples. Mid-afternoon departure for Porto D’Ischia - a one hour trip. Ischia, known as the Emerald Island because of its luxuriantvegetation, is the largest island in the Bay of Naples.
Enjoy superb views from the extinct volcano peak Monte Epomeo. Other excursions include the beautiful beach of Spiaggia di Citara, and the pools and gardens at nearby Giardini di Poseidon. In Ischia Port there are several excellent trattorias and pizzerias.

- Day 2
Depart Porto D’Ischia for Isola di Ponza - a 3.5 hour passage. Anchor at Ponza, the largest island of the Pontine Archipelago, and famed for its picturesque harbour and marvelous coastal rock formations. In calm weather there are numerous anchorage around the island, one of the best being Cala Inferno, a few miles NNE of Ponza harbor. The island’s clear waters are great for swimming and water sports. Ashore in Ponza village there are limited restaurants and shopping.

- Day 3
Spend the whole day around Isola di Ponza.

- Day 4, 5 and 6
Early morning departure for Isola di Capri - a 4.5 hour passage.
Reserve a berth in Marina Grande for three nights. Isola di Capri, the Pearl in the Bay of Naples, has a rugged coastline. Take a trip to the marine cavern of Blue Grotto—accessible only by small dinghy - on the northwest coast. Visit the restaurants and boutiques of Capri in the evening after the day trippers from Naples have headed back to the mainland. The island’s other town, Anacapri, is generally less crowded and more relaxed. In calm weather there are many places in which to anchor off the island, but in any kind of wind or swell, finding a calm anchorage can be difficult. Jet Skis are prohibited here. Three days are recommended to enjoy all of the Isola di Capri’s wonderful offerings.

- Day 7
Morning departure from Capri to Amalfi - one and halfhours. Cruise along the spectacular Amalfi coastline past the Li Galli islands, maybe stop at anchor off Positano for lunch. Reserve a berth in Amalfi for the night. The setting is spectacular and the town is colorful and attractive. There are plenty of good restaurants ashore - La Caravella is renowned for its seafood dishes.

- Day 8
Mid morning departure back to Sannazzaro Port - two and a half hour passage.
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How to get to the Varazze base?

- By Plane: the easiest is to land at the Genoa International Airport (GOA) which is just 40 minutes away from Varazze. Azimut Charter Club will organize your transfer to your departure base. An alternative is to land at Nice International Airport (NCE) which is a 2-hour drive to Varazze.

- By car: Varazze has an exit on the E80 motorway alongside the French and the Italian Riviera. Once you leave the motorway, follow the directions to downtown Varazze and then to the Marina.
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Portofino - Ititnerary

- Day 1 – Genoa (15 NM – 1 hour)
Depending on your arrival time on day 1 or the previous night, our team will meet you at Genoa International Airport and will organize your transfer to our base in Marina di Varazze or to your hotel. Noon: Your yacht is ready for departure and your crew will make sure you feel comfortable on board. After a refreshing lunch, you will depart for the nearby “Porto Antico” in Genoa. Visit of this vibrant city and the children can enjoy the afternoon at the City Aquarium.

- Day 2 & 3 – Portofino (15 NM – 1 hour)
Leave mid-morning for the world famous and beautiful Portofino. Enjoy the unique ambiance, chic boutiques and quaint cafés that overlook the small yacht harbor. You may also decide to explore the surrounding coastline, where tiny villages are tucked away in hidden coves. Visit nearby San Fruttioso or Sta Margherita.

- Day 4 - Porto Venere (30 NM – 1.5 hours)
Porto Venere has been a very important center of trade for the sailors of the middle ages. The historical past of the town is still visible today in its medieval structure characterized by the castle, the surrounding walls and the two churches from the XII century.

- Day 5 – Capraia Island (45 NM – 2.5 hours)
It is an island with volcanic origins noticeable in the rocky coastline, characterized by little beaches and caves. Capraia presents very interesting aspects from a natural point of view: the varieties of fauna and flora have induced the creation of a Natural Park that preserves the entire island, including its marine life.

- Day 6 – Forte dei Marmi (40 NM – 2.5 hours)
Though best known for the famous prisoner it was home to for a very short time, Napoleon Bonaparte, the scenery with its spectacular mountains and numerous beaches are what draw visitors to this island every year. You will want to try some Aleatico or Moscato, Elban wines which are two of Tuscany's best!

- Day 7 – Cinque Terre (35 NM – 2 hours)
More wonders await you just a few miles away. Leave Viareggio in the morning and head towards Cinque Terre. Five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lie at each extremity, thousands of kilometers of dry walling, cultivated into vineyards, five southerly villages castled up on spurs of stone or disposed in clusters of very small inlets.

- Day 8 – Varazze (32 NM – 2 hours)
Leave Cinque Terre around 9:30am and return to the ACC base in Varazze. Arrival and disembarkation at noon. We will organize your transportation to the Genoa International Airport in time for your flights.
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Start bases

Here is the list of departure bases: Porto Vecchio - Portoferraio - etc...

Attention: not all boats will depart from all bases. Please ask your Yacht Vacation Specialist for further details.

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Useful links

Looking for more information? Just try one of our useful links...

Marina di Varazze
Italy Tourist Board official website
Corsica Tourist Board
Cinque Terre
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Lavezzi Islands (Corsica)
Monaco
Bonifacio (Corsica)
Marina di Varazze
Marina di Varazze by night
Map of Marina di Varazze
 

Main topics

Map
Marina di Varazze facilities
Do not miss!
Important travel notes
When to go?
Bay of Naples - Ititnerary
How to get to the Varazze base?
Portofino - Ititnerary
Start bases
Useful links
 
 
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